Contract extension ends months of speculation about the future of the four-time Formula 1 world champion
Max Verstappen is staying with Red Bull Racing for the long term. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has prematurely extended his contract, which originally ran until the end of 2028, and has now committed himself to the Austrian racing team up to and including the 2030 season. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 20, immediately before the start of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
With this, Verstappen is sending a clear signal against the transfer rumors that had repeatedly surfaced in recent months. Mercedes and McLaren had been discussed as potential alternatives. The background, in addition to Red Bull's difficult sporting situation, included performance-based exit clauses in Verstappen's previous contract.
„The team is like a second family to me,“ Verstappen emphasized in connection with his decision. He noted that the decisive factors were, above all, mutual trust and a shared vision. Verstappen sees himself not only as a driver, but also as an important part of Red Bull's rebuilding process.
The extension comes at a difficult time. Since the start of the new technical era in 2026, Red Bull has been struggling with significant performance issues. Mercedes has established itself as the strongest force so far, while Verstappen is currently well behind the championship lead. Following four consecutive drivers' titles from 2021 to 2024, the team's dominance is thus history for now.
Nevertheless, Verstappen is banking on the future. Red Bull is working on a new sporting perspective with the new team principal Laurent Mekies and its own powertrain project developed jointly with Ford. Verstappen is set to play a central role in this and lead the team back to the top.
With this decision, one of the biggest open questions in the driver market has also been answered. Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull at least until the end of 2030 – and thus will likely have completed a total of 15 Formula 1 seasons for the team.
And our readers of SLICKPIX-CURBS magazine have something to look forward to as well. In the upcoming issue, #23, we will be featuring coverage of an F1 race for the first time.